Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Vice President Iftikhar Ali Malik has expressed the resolve that the chamber will continue to pursue its mission to boost trade among Saarc member states.

“Efforts are also under way to launch a common currency for the Saarc bloc on the model of the single European Union currency,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Trade among Saarc countries depends on better India-Pakistan ties and increased economic cooperation,” he remarked, while announcing that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be extended a special and formal invitation for the inaugural ceremony of the newly constructed Saarc Chamber building in Islamabad.

“Pakistan will get Saarc Chamber chairmanship after two years, which will prove very fruitful in increasing trade among member states.”

Malik, who is also Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s United Business Group chairman, emphasised the need of collective and target-oriented efforts at all levels to make Pakistan an Asian economic tiger.